Have you ever heard this phrase? “Maybe this is a test from God…” It usually comes up when a business is losing money, a project is failing, or a business is struggling.
This statement isn’t wrong . But… if it’s used as a shield to avoid evaluation and improvement, it becomes a problem. We might end up covering our own negligence in the guise of “patience.”
In Islam, trials are indeed part of the law of nature. However, endeavor and strategy are also part of the dictates of sharia. Separating these two is crucial. We must not, in the name of “patience in facing trials,” blind ourselves to flawed strategies that could be corrected.
Let’s dissect this step by step. So that the Sharia business we build is not only well-intentioned, but also well-executed.
Business Trials Are Inevitable, Not a Mirror of Failure
In Islamic law, trials in life, including in building a business, are a normal part of life. Even the Prophet’s companions , whose faith was extraordinary, were still tested in worldly affairs: some suffered losses, some were deceived, and some even went bankrupt.
Allah ﷻ himself said:
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِين َ
“Indeed, We will test you with a little fear, hunger, lack of wealth, souls and fruits. Give good news to those who are patient.” (QS. Al-Baqarah : 155)
Well, in a business context, this could mean: a sudden sluggish market, an untrustworthy business partner, stuck capital, or a change in trends that makes our product unpopular.
All of this could be a test from Allah ﷻ . But remember, tests from Allah never arise solely from our own negligence. So it’s crucial for us to be able to distinguish: is this a test or is it actually negligence?
Also read: Financial Discipline from an Islamic Perspective
Strategic Mistakes Cannot Be Blamed on Fate
For example, you choose the wrong business partner, make a product that doesn’t match market needs, and don’t understand how to manage cash flow
Then you wrap it all up with the phrase: “Maybe it’s not my destiny yet.” Hey, be careful. That’s not tawakal, but tawakul —misplaced resignation.
Imam Ibn Qayyim Rahimullah once said:
“This religion is built on two things: truth in intention and truth in manner (method).”
(Madarijus Salikin, 1/84)
So, pure intentions are crucial for a halal, usury-free, and profitable business. But if the methods and strategies are in disarray, the results will be difficult to achieve.
Rasulullah ﷺ taught:
“Tie your camel first, and put your trust in it.”
(HR. At-Tirmidhi)
What it means? Don’t just leave the results of your business development to God, but also ensure your efforts are sound. This includes the business world: from market research and team management to fundraising, to branding and distribution, everything must be prepared seriously.
Also read: Financial Planning in Times of Crisis
Developing Business Under Sharia Law
Islam not only permits business it even encourages us to be strong and honest businesspeople. But remember, business growth must not compromise principles. We must not violate sharia principles in order to “chase targets.”
Sharia business means:
- Right intention, halal contract
- Clear and useful product
- Not cheating, not being unjust, not usury
- And stay open to learning and evaluation
Just look at Abdurrahman ibn ‘Auf (may Allah be pleased with him). He was a companion of the Prophet who was financially successful, yet remained strict about maintaining halal (permissible) and prudence.
He said:
“I never trade unless I make sure there are no haram elements in it, and I leave out profits if in doubt.”
(HR. Ahmad with saheeh sanad)
Abdurrahman bin ‘Auf also didn’t hesitate to change strategies as the market changed. But one thing he never changed: his halal principles, in accordance with Sharia.
Also read: Wealth as a Tool, Not a Goal in Islam
Khatimah: Tests Can Be Passed, Mistakes Can Be Corrected
Separating strategic tests and mistakes isn’t about scapegoating. It’s about growing better. If a loss is due to a weak strategy, that’s part of the learning process. Evaluate, improve, and level up.
But if you’ve maximized all your strategies, your team is solid, your targets are clear, and you still suffer losses? Well, perhaps that’s a test. Our job? Be patient and keep moving.
Allah ﷻ says:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواtroop ٱسْتَقَـٰمُوا۟ تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَة ُ…
“Indeed, those who say: ‘Our Rabb is Allah,’ then they are istiqamah, then the angels descend to them…”
(QS. Fussilat : 30)
So, don’t be too quick to conclude that Sharia is unsuitable for modern business. It may not be Sharia that’s wrong, but rather our approach that needs upgrading.
Remember: strategies can change, but principles remain. Because halal business isn’t just about winning in this world, but also about safety in the afterlife.
Also read: Urgency of Holding Cash and Avoiding Buying Too Much Not Liquid Assets
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
Reference:
The Qur’an Al-karim
Ahmad bin Hanbal. Musnad Ahmad . Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/ahmad/
At-Tirmidhi. Jāmi’ at-Tirmidhi . Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/tirmidzi/
Ibn Qayyim al-Jauziyyah. (no year). Madarijus Salikin . Beirut: Dar al-Fikr.
